Sacred Monuments in Belgium

Sint-Pieterskerk

Berlaar

Sint-Pieterskerk is a Roman Catholic parish church standing on the market square (Markt 42) in Berlaar, in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The present neo-Romanesque building dates from 1873-1876, yet the story of this sacred site reaches much further back, and the church tower itself ranks among the oldest surviving architectural elements in Berlaar. Where does the church's history begin? The earliest documented link to this site comes from 1227, when tithe rights passed to the Abbey of Rozendaal near Walem. Shortly afterward, around 1230, an early Gothic church was built here — and it is from this first building that the current tower survives, making it the oldest remaining part of the whole complex. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, which gives the building its name: Sint-Pieterskerk, literally "Saint Peter's Church." How did the building change over the centuries? The original church did not survive unaltered. Around 1353 a new structure replaced the earlier one, which was likely later destroyed by fire. The next building phase added a late Gothic choir, raised in the mid-17th century, followed by a nave and transept added during the 18th century. The church therefore grew in stages across several centuries, layering elements from different periods into a single structure. The 19th century brought a decisive change: between 1873 and 1876 an entirely new neo-Romanesque church was built to a design by architect Leonard Blomme. This building, combined with the older surviving tower, gives Sint-Pieterskerk its present-day form. What happened to the tower during the Second World War? The tower experienced a dramatic episode at the very start of the Second World War. On 14 May 1940, the Belgian army deliberately shelled the tower to prevent it from being used by German forces as a landmark for orientation in the surrounding terrain. The damage was severe, but after careful examination of the surviving rubble and archival records, the tower was rebuilt between 1940 and 1943, restoring its historic appearance. What can visitors see inside the church? The interior preserves several furnishings of notable historical value. The pulpit dates from the first half of the 18th century, making it one of the older surviving fittings to have outlasted the church's later rebuilding phases. The organ is considerably younger: it was built in 1954-1955 by the firm Jos Stevens, well known for organ work in the region. What is the church's heritage status today? Sint-Pieterskerk has been listed as a protected monument since 1998 and was formally registered as architectural heritage in 2009. In recent years the building underwent a thorough restoration, and since 2022 it stands fully restored, preserving both the medieval tower and the 19th-century church structure for future generations. Frequently asked questions How old is the Sint-Pieterskerk in Berlaar? Its oldest surviving element, the tower, dates from around 1230, while the current church building was constructed between 1873 and 1876. Why was the tower shelled in 1940? The Belgian army shelled its own church tower to stop German forces from using it as a landmark during the invasion in May 1940. Who designed the present church? The neo-Romanesque building from 1873-1876 was designed by architect Leonard Blomme. Can the church be visited today? Since 2022 the building has been fully restored, and as an active parish church it remains open to visitors according to local rules for visiting places of worship.

Sint-Martinuskerk

Sint-Martinuskerk is the historic parish church of Meise, a town in Flemish Brabant just north of Brussels. Standing on Brusselsesteenweg in the heart of the town, it has served for centuries as both a local landmark and the spiritual center of the community. How old is the site? The story of the church goes back to around the year 700, when a wooden manor chapel occupied the spot. Around 1100 it was replaced by a stone Romanesque building. As early as 1110, patronage rights over the altar of Meise passed to the church of Grimbergen, and once Grimbergen Abbey was founded in 1127, those rights transferred to the abbey itself — a sign of how closely the parish's early history was tied to the nearby monastic community. When did the current Gothic church appear? Around 1500 the Romanesque church was rebuilt in Gothic style, and the choir and transept still date from that campaign. The building is constructed of sandstone in a late Gothic idiom. Its choir has a three-sided closed end, while the integrated west tower rises in two stories and features a portal topped with a Tudor arch. A carillon hangs in the tower. What damage has the church survived? The building suffered two major blows: the Iconoclasm of 1566 and military action in 1593. The present central nave dates from a 1626 rebuilding, while the side aisles were added in 1635 and 1642. A further round of serious damage came during the French Revolution, after which the church stood unused for a considerable stretch of time. What lies beneath the choir? Beneath the choir is a crypt that once served as a burial place for the lords of Meise and, later, for the owners of nearby Bouchout Castle — linking the parish's history directly to the local nobility and the estate that eventually became famous as a botanical garden. Are there wall paintings inside? The transept holds Renaissance murals dating from 1590–1600. At some point they were painted over, rediscovered in 1890, then covered again. It was only in 1993 that the paintings were finally restored and permanently unveiled to visitors — one of the church's more surprising, lesser-known features. What instrument does the church house? The organ was built by the Van Bever brothers and dates from 1896, when it was formally inaugurated. It underwent a restoration in 1990 carried out by the firm Draps of Erps-Kwerps. Both the organ and the tower, together with the first bay of the side aisles, are officially protected as heritage monuments. Why is it worth a visit? Sint-Martinuskerk compresses more than a thousand years of local religious history into a single, compact site — from an early medieval chapel, through Romanesque and Gothic rebuilding, to Baroque-era repairs and a late-19th-century organ. Visitors can trace this long layered history within the town center of Meise itself. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the church located? At Brusselsesteenweg 1B, in the center of Meise, Flemish Brabant. From which period does the current building date? The late Gothic core was built around 1500, with the aisles completed during 17th-century rebuilding after wartime damage. What parts of the church are officially protected? The 1896 organ and the tower, together with the first bay of the side aisles, hold protected monument status. Can visitors see the crypt? Beneath the choir lies a crypt where the lords of Meise and the owners of Bouchout Castle were once buried.

Basilica of Saint Servatius

Grimbergen

The Basilica of Saint Servatius in Grimbergen is a Baroque church standing on the grounds of a former Norbertine abbey, one of the most recognizable landmarks in this municipality just north of Brussels. Built from white sandstone between 1660 and 1700 to a design by architect Gilbertus van Zinnik, it dates from the golden age of an abbey originally founded in 1128 under the spiritual guidance of Norbert of Xanten. What is the history behind this site? The abbey at Grimbergen has a turbulent past. During the religious wars it was destroyed in 1566, forcing the monks to flee to Brussels; they only returned three decades later to rebuild their community. A further blow came in 1798, when the abbey and its brewery were destroyed for a third time. Despite these setbacks, construction of the basilica itself, begun in 1660, continued in an exuberant Baroque style, producing one of the finest examples of the style in Western European church architecture. The building was raised to the status of minor basilica in 1999, and it was granted protected monument status in 1937. What does the architecture and interior look like? The church's distinctive tower houses 48 bells that lend the surrounding area a particularly welcoming soundscape. The choir contrasts sharply with the rest of the building through its large dimensions, while the nave was never completed — a fact still visible in its temporary façade. Inside, visitors find four magnificent confessionals, the cathedra, the choir stalls, the altar, and the tomb of the Count of Grimbergen, together forming one of the most beautiful Baroque ensembles in the country. The choir features four paintings of Saint Norbert by Jan van Orley, while other parts of the church hold numerous works by De Crayer, van Orley, and van Loon. What is the abbey's connection to beer? Grimbergen is not only a place of worship but also the birthplace of one of Belgium's best-known brewing traditions. In the very year the abbey was founded, 1128, the monks began brewing a local beer, with the recipe reportedly passed down through the generations. From 1958 onward, the monks licensed commercial breweries to produce beer under their name, following the Belgian tradition of abbey brewing. In 2019, after rediscovering the original ingredients and methods in the abbey's archives, the monks revived brewing on site themselves, restoring a centuries-old practice. Who looks after the basilica and abbey today? The community consists of twelve white-robed monks belonging to the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, commonly known as the Norbertines. For centuries they have been known for their hospitality toward visitors and for the home-brewed beer offered to guests of the monastery. The parish church is dedicated to Saint Servatius, while the abbey church itself is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul — a distinction that explains why both names appear in sources referring to the same complex. Frequently asked questions Can the basilica be visited? As an active parish church and place of worship, the basilica welcomes visitors who wish to see its Baroque interior and architecture. Where does the Grimbergen beer name come from? The name comes directly from the town and abbey, where Norbertine monks have brewed beer since the monastery's founding in 1128, a tradition repeatedly interrupted by destruction and revived over the centuries. What architectural style does the building represent? The basilica is one of the most striking examples of Baroque style in Western European church architecture, built from characteristic white sandstone.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk

Vivenkapelle

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk is a medieval church standing on Kerkstraat in the center of Damme, West Flanders, close to the canal that once connected the town to Bruges. Although sometimes associated with the nearby hamlet of Vivenkapelle, the building actually stands in Damme itself, and its history begins there. How did this church come into being? The origins of the site date back to around 1180, when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady was established in Damme. Over time it grew into an independent parish, no longer dependent on the neighboring parish of Oostkerke, to which it originally belonged. This modest beginning set the stage for the development of what would become one of the more significant churches of medieval Flanders. Why was the church expanded over the centuries? Between roughly 1210 and 1225, an early Gothic building replaced the earlier chapel, taking the form of a three-aisled cross-basilica with a tower on the west side. Damme's prosperity as a trading port drove population growth through the 13th and 14th centuries, and the church was repeatedly enlarged to keep pace, its architecture reflecting the town's importance as a maritime trade hub at the time. What survived the destruction of the 16th century? In 1578, the church was plundered during the religious wars that swept the Low Countries at the time. Despite the damage, part of the valuable interior survived, including 14th-century apostle statues and a late Gothic rood screen, the carved partition separating the choir from the nave, typical of churches from that era. These surviving elements still testify to the church's former standing. What happened to the building in the 18th century? Another difficult period followed as Damme's economy declined due to the silting up of its harbor channel and the resulting loss of trade. In the 1720s, church authorities decided to demolish the transept and nave, as maintaining such a large structure had become unsustainable with a shrinking congregation. Only the choir and tower were preserved, and they remain standing today as evidence of the church's former scale. How was the building restored around 1900? The surviving sections underwent thorough restoration in two phases: first between 1890 and 1895, and again between 1902 and 1904. These campaigns aimed to secure and renew the historic fabric, including the medieval sculptures and decorative elements that had survived earlier upheavals. What can visitors see at the church today? Today, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk consists mainly of the preserved choir and tower, bordered by an old cemetery to the south. The interior holds valuable medieval sculptures, including the apostle statues that survived the 1578 plunder. The building is an important stop for anyone exploring Damme, a small town known for its rich maritime trading history and its association with the folk legend of Till Eulenspiegel. Frequently asked questions Is the church located in Vivenkapelle? No — Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk stands in the center of Damme, on Kerkstraat. A separate church, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary and Saint Philip, is located in the nearby hamlet of Vivenkapelle. From what period does the current building date? The surviving choir and tower mainly date from the early Gothic rebuilding of around 1210–1225, though the structure was modified several times afterward. Why is the church smaller today than it originally was? In the 1720s, due to Damme's economic decline, the nave and transept were demolished, leaving only the choir and tower standing. What survived the 1578 plunder? The 14th-century apostle statues and the late Gothic rood screen survived, and remain among the church's most valuable furnishings today.

Heilige Kruisverheffingskerk

Heilige Kruisverheffingskerk is the parish church of Beveren, a village that forms part of the city of Roeselare in West Flanders, Belgium. Behind its yellow sandstone facade lies a story of destruction and rebuilding that spans more than four centuries. How did the church come to look the way it does? The original building fell victim to the 16th-century Beeldenstorm, the wave of iconoclastic destruction that swept through the Low Countries during the Reformation. Reconstruction took place between 1608 and 1628, producing a late Gothic pseudo-hall church with a tower — a design typical of Flemish religious architecture of the period, where the nave and side aisles rise to a similar height, giving the interior an open, spacious feel. The building was not left untouched afterward: between 1786 and 1788 it was enlarged, and in 1830 round-arched windows were added, lending the facade a somewhat more classical appearance. Why does the church look so different from its centuries-old predecessor? The answer lies in the tragedy of the First World War. In July 1918, near the very end of the conflict, the church was destroyed by German aerial bombing. Only the tower survived, and even that lost its spire in the process — the rest of the building was reduced to ruins. The reconstruction undertaken in the early 1920s took a markedly different architectural direction from the earlier versions of the church: the new structure was built in yellow sandstone as a Gothic hall church, a style distinct from the pseudo-hall design that had stood there before. Construction was finished in 1923, yet the solemn consecration of the rebuilt church did not take place until 1933 — a full decade after the building work itself was completed. Where does the dedication to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross come from? This is one of the more interesting threads in the church's history. It was originally dedicated to Saint Germanus, but in 1928 — before the postwar rebuilding process had even reached its formal conclusion with consecration — the dedication was changed. The reason was the long-standing local veneration of the Miraculous Cross associated with the parish, a devotion so deeply rooted in the community of Beveren that church authorities chose to rename the building to reflect it. That is how the church came to bear its present name, referencing the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a feast in the Catholic calendar commemorating the finding and elevation of the relic of Christ's cross. What is worth knowing about the church today? After decades of continued use, the building underwent a thorough restoration in 1990, which helped preserve it in good condition as an active place of worship and a landmark within Beveren's built environment. The tower, as the only surviving element from before the wartime destruction, remains the oldest visible trace of the church's centuries-long presence on this site, even though the rest of the structure is a product of the interwar rebuilding. Frequently asked questions Is this the same building that stood before the First World War? Only partly — just the tower survived the 1918 bombing. The nave and the remainder of the church were rebuilt from scratch in the 1920s, in a different architectural style from the earlier structure. Why is the church no longer dedicated to Saint Germanus? The dedication changed in 1928 because of the strong local devotion to the Miraculous Cross, a tradition that had grown to define the parish's identity more than its earlier patron saint. Where exactly is the church located? In Beveren, a village that is part of the city of Roeselare in the West Flanders province of Belgium.

Church of Saint Anne, Aldeneik

Maaseik

The Church of Saint Anne in Aldeneik is a small but historically remarkable church in Aldeneik, now part of the town of Maaseik in the Belgian province of Limburg. Its walls combine Romanesque stonework nearly a thousand years old with a later Gothic choir, and its roots stretch back to the early Middle Ages. Where did the church come from? The story begins in 720, when two sisters, Harlindis and Relindis, founded a monastery on land belonging to their father Adelard, on the banks of the Meuse. The foundation had the backing of Willibrord of Utrecht, the missionary bishop active in the region at the time, and the community followed the Rule of Saint Benedict. Harlindis and Relindis became the abbey's first abbesses, and the house grew into one of the more significant religious centers of the area. How did the abbey's status change over time? In the 10th century, Emperor Otto I placed the monastery under the authority of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. The move was a practical one: it shielded the abbey's property from local noblemen who, in that period, were prone to seizing church holdings for themselves. Not long after this transfer, the community of nuns was replaced by a chapter of canons — secular clergy living under a shared rule, though not monks in the strict sense. When was the present building constructed? It was these canons who, in the 12th century, built the Romanesque church whose core survives in the building standing today. The structure takes the form of a three-aisled basilica in the so-called Mosan style, named after the Meuse river valley where this architectural tradition flourished, and it lacks a transept, unlike many contemporary churches. In the 13th or 14th century, the choir was rebuilt in Gothic style, giving the church the layered, mixed character it still shows: a sturdy Romanesque nave set against a lighter, more open eastern end. Why is it dedicated to Saint Anne? The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, later to Mary together with Saint Peter. Only in the 18th century was the dedication changed to Saint Anne, Mary's mother, and the church has carried that name ever since. Since the 16th century it has served as a Roman Catholic parish church, meeting the everyday needs of the local community. What does the church treasury hold? Among the most valuable parts of the site's heritage is its treasury, to which the canons transferred a large share of the old Aldeneik Abbey's holdings in 1570. It preserves relics associated with the abbey's founders, Harlindis and Relindis, along with reliquaries — some dating as far back as the 9th century — gold and silver liturgical vessels, vestments, and old manuscripts. A particular highlight is a collection of early medieval textiles, including a garment attributed to Saint Relindis and Anglo-Saxon liturgical embroidery from the 8th or 9th century, considered among the oldest surviving examples of this craft from the British Isles. Where exactly is the church located? The Church of Saint Anne stands in Aldeneik, a historic settlement now administratively part of Maaseik, a town close to the Dutch border on the Meuse. Its coordinates are approximately 51.102°N, 5.806°E. Frequently asked questions Is the church Romanesque or Gothic? Both styles are present in the same building — the nave dates from the 12th-century Romanesque phase, while the choir was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th or 14th century. Who founded the original monastery on this site? The sisters Harlindis and Relindis, who established a convent here in 720 on land belonging to their father Adelard, with the support of Willibrord of Utrecht. What can visitors see in the church treasury? Relics and reliquaries connected to the abbey's founders, valuable liturgical vessels, old manuscripts, and a unique collection of early medieval textiles, including Anglo-Saxon embroidery among the oldest surviving pieces of its kind. Why is the church dedicated to Saint Anne if it was originally dedicated to Mary? The dedication changed in the 18th century — the church had earlier been dedicated to Mary, and later also to Saint Peter, before taking on its present dedication to Saint Anne.

Sint-Martinuskerk

Sint-Martinuskerk is a Neo-Gothic parish church in Kessenich, a village within the municipality of Kinrooi in Belgian Limburg, built at the very end of the 19th century on a site with a much older religious history. The building stands on the forecourt of the former Kessenich castle, though its origins reach back long before the castle itself. Where does the site's history begin? The name of a nearby spring, the Willibrordusbron, once used to immerse baptismal candidates, suggests the area was Christianized by the missionary Willibrord as early as around the year 700. The choice of Saint Martin of Tours as patron — a folk saint especially popular among the Franks — likewise points to an early ecclesiastical history at this location, predating any fortified structures in the area by several centuries. How did the building evolve over the centuries? In the 12th century, a Romanesque church was built on the current site, positioned strategically on the forecourt of Kessenich castle. At first, the church served as one of the chapels within the Kessenich-Eik domain, subordinate to Aldeneik Abbey. As the Kessenich-Eik structure gradually disintegrated, the local church grew in importance and became a mother church for the surrounding area. That 12th-century Romanesque building was demolished in the 15th century to make way for a new church in the early Maasgothic style. In the first half of the 18th century, this Gothic structure was in turn largely demolished — with the exception of its tower — and replaced by a small, brick, single-nave church featuring a three-bay nave and a two-bay choir with a three-sided closure. The current building was designed in 1898 by architect Jos Tonnaer of Thorn, a student of the renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. It was constructed according to Neo-Gothic principles, with complete and cohesive interior furnishings designed by the same architect. Thanks to its architectural beauty, Sint-Martinuskerk is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Meuse Region." What survives from earlier interiors? Despite the 19th-century rebuilding, a good deal of the church's Baroque-era interior survived, having undergone significant adaptation during the Neo-Gothic renovation. Visitors can still see Baroque architectural decoration in the choir section, a distinct baptismal chapel, and seven portico altars dating from the 17th century — valuable evidence of the earlier Baroque decor that was preserved rather than removed during the later modernization. Is the church a protected monument? Yes — Sint-Martinuskerk was granted protected status by ministerial decision on 30 April 2004, and it has been listed as a protected monument ever since. The protection covers both the building itself and the adjoining parish churchyard. Frequently asked questions Is the current church the first building on this site? No. It is at least the fourth religious building on this exact spot, following an earlier primitive chapel that predates the 12th century, a 12th-century Romanesque church, and a 15th-century Gothic church. Who designed the current building? Architect Jos Tonnaer of Thorn, a student of Pierre Cuypers, designed the church in 1898 in the Neo-Gothic style, including all of its interior furnishings. Why is the church nicknamed the "Pearl of the Meuse Region"? Because of its architectural beauty and the coherence of its Neo-Gothic design, which extends to both the building's structure and its interior. Does anything survive from before the 19th century? Yes, the choir retains Baroque architectural decoration and seven 17th-century portico altars, along with a separate baptismal chapel from the earlier interior.

Rovertkapel

Ravels

Rovertkapel is a small, whitewashed chapel standing in a quiet spot right by the Belgian-Dutch border, near the village of Hulsel and northeast of Poppel, within the municipality of Ravels. For centuries the site has served as a resting point where several walking and cycling routes cross, and its story reaches back to the 17th century. Where did the chapel come from? Before the current building existed, a border church stood on this exact spot from 1643 until shortly after 1672, serving residents of Hilvarenbeek across the border. The chapel visitors see today was built later, between 1736 and 1738 — not long after the event that gave rise to its legend. What is the legend behind the chapel? The story starts with a theft. On October 13, 1735, a break-in occurred at the Valentinus Church in Poppel, during which consecrated hosts and reliquaries were stolen. Local residents split into search parties and combed the surrounding area. Eventually they noticed that the ground at the site of the former border church had been disturbed. When they dug there, they found the stolen hosts undamaged. A second version of the story exists as well: a shepherd passing through the area with his flock is said to have watched his sheep suddenly stop and kneel piously, marking out the sacred spot. To commemorate the discovery, a chapel was built on the very site where the hosts were found. What does Rovertkapel look like? The building is a whitewashed, square structure with rounded corners, topped with a baroque-style dome. Inside hangs a painting by Sister Augustina da Porta, depicting the scene of the flock of sheep kneeling at the spot where the hosts were recovered. What is it used for today? Today, Rovertkapel serves as a quiet resting point for visitors and a junction where several walking and cycling routes meet in this stretch of the Belgian-Dutch border region. It makes for a fitting short stop on a longer walk or bike ride, both for its calm, simple appearance and for the unusual story behind it. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Rovertkapel located? The chapel sits close to the Belgian-Dutch border, near the village of Hulsel, northeast of Poppel, in the municipality of Ravels. When was the current chapel built? The building seen today dates from 1736–1738, shortly after the 1735 events that form the basis of its legend. What does the painting inside the chapel show? A painting by Sister Augustina da Porta depicts the flock of sheep said to have knelt at the spot where the stolen hosts were found — one version of the chapel's founding legend. Is it worth a visit while exploring the area? Yes — Rovertkapel is a natural stopping point along the walking and cycling routes in this border area, and its simple whitewashed architecture combined with its centuries-old legend make it a charming, low-key stop.

Church of Our Lady of Help

The Church of Our Lady of Help (Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk) is the Catholic parish church of Walem, a village belonging to the municipality of Mechelen in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The building stands at Koning Albertstraat 58 and forms part of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. How far back does the site's history go? The story of a church in Walem stretches all the way to the start of the 13th century — the first place of worship on this spot was consecrated in 1203. Part of today's tower is said, by some accounts, to date from that very period, while other sources point instead to the 14th century. Across the centuries the building was reshaped repeatedly, and its oldest surviving element, the tower, became a witness to the long and eventful history of this small settlement near Mechelen. What happened in 1952? A turning point came in 1952, when a lightning strike set the church ablaze and the building burned down almost entirely. Only the tower survived — the oldest and most valuable part of the structure. The destruction forced the parish to rebuild the church almost from scratch, while preserving that single surviving element as a link to the site's centuries-old past. Who designed the reconstruction? The reconstruction, carried out between 1956 and 1957, was designed by architect J. Willems. He planned a three-aisled cross-shaped church in neo-Gothic style, blending the new structure harmoniously with the surviving historic tower. Sandstone and natural stone were used for the build, giving the church the sober yet solid character typical of post-war religious architecture in Belgium. What architectural style does the church represent? The current building is an example of neo-Gothic architecture — a style still favored in the mid-20th century when rebuilding damaged churches, since it allowed continuity with the medieval tradition of sacred building. The three-aisled cross layout and the integrated Gothic tower form a coherent whole, in which the new 1950s construction coexists with an element several centuries older. Why is the tower the building's most important feature? The tower of the Walem church is the only fragment of the building to survive the 1952 fire, and depending on the source, it dates from either the 13th or 14th century. It stands as the tangible proof of continuity for this place of worship, tracing back to the consecration of the first church in 1203. For the residents of Walem, the tower remains a symbol of the local community's resilience — despite the near-total destruction of the church, a link to its medieval origins was preserved. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the church located? At Koning Albertstraat 58 in Walem, a village belonging to the municipality of Mechelen in the province of Antwerp. Which diocese does the parish belong to? The Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. What happened to the original church? It burned down in 1952 after being struck by lightning; only the tower survived, and it was incorporated into the new neo-Gothic building designed by J. Willems and built between 1956 and 1957. How old is the church tower? Depending on the source, it dates from either the 13th or 14th century, making it the oldest surviving element of the Walem church.

Sint-Augustinuskerk

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Sint-Augustinuskerk is a neo-Gothic parish church standing on Elzestraat in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a municipality in Belgium's Antwerp province. The church emerged in the second half of the 19th century, when the Elzestraat area grew dense enough that its residents began pushing for a parish of their own, separate from the three existing parishes that had previously served this part of the municipality. How the parish came about The driving force behind the new parish was Baron August de Reynegom de Buzet, a local benefactor who in 1877 bought a house on Groenstraat and converted it into a chapel dedicated to Saint Augustine. This makeshift chapel served the neighborhood for nearly a decade before church authorities decided to raise its status to that of a full parish church. That happened on 6 June 1886, when the new Sint-Augustinus parish was officially established. Building the permanent church The chapel on Groenstraat, however, was only ever meant to be a stopgap. Baron de Reynegom de Buzet pushed forward with the construction of a permanent, purpose-built church, designed in 1887 by architect Henri Meyns. Construction took place between 1888 and 1889, producing a neo-Gothic cruciform basilica — a layout and style typical of Flemish parish churches erected during this period, drawing on medieval Gothic models while relying on the more modern building methods of the late 19th century. Wartime damage and reconstruction The church's history was not one of untroubled continuity. In September 1914, at the very outset of the First World War, the building suffered serious damage during the military operations that struck many Belgian towns at that time. Reconstruction followed after the war ended, with efforts made to faithfully restore the original design that Meyns had drawn up decades earlier. As a result, the church's present-day appearance still largely reflects that late 19th-century concept, despite the interruption caused by wartime destruction. A further restoration The building underwent another major restoration in the early 1990s. Conservation work of this kind is common for religious buildings of this age and stature — after decades of use, plus the earlier postwar repairs, the structure needed reinforcement and its interior finishes needed renewal so the church could keep serving its parish community. What to know when visiting the area The church stands on Elzestraat, a street whose name and character stem from the intense building development of the second half of the 19th century — it was precisely this growth in this part of Sint-Katelijne-Waver that created the direct impetus for a separate parish. The building remains an active place of worship and one of the local landmarks in this part of the municipality, a reminder of how quickly local religious communities expanded during Flanders' era of industrialization and population growth. Frequently asked questions When was Sint-Augustinuskerk built? The parish was formally established on 6 June 1886, and the actual church building went up between 1888 and 1889, based on a 1887 design by architect Henri Meyns. Who initiated the construction of the church? The main driving force was Baron August de Reynegom de Buzet, who first set up a temporary chapel in a house on Groenstraat in 1877 before pushing for the construction of a permanent church. Was the church damaged during a war? Yes, in September 1914 the building suffered serious damage from First World War military action. It was rebuilt after the war, following the original architectural design. Has the church been restored since? Yes, it underwent another major restoration in the early 1990s.

Yunus Emre-moskee

Genk

Yunus Emre Mosque is a Turkish mosque located in the Sledderlo district of Genk, a former mining town in the Belgian province of Limburg. The building takes its name from Yunus Emre, one of the most celebrated Turkish Sufi poets, whose verses on love and spirituality remain influential throughout the Turkish-speaking world to this day. How did a Turkish mosque end up in Sledderlo? The story of the mosque goes back to the early 1980s. Genk's coal-mining past drew large numbers of Turkish workers to the city in previous decades, and as the community grew, so did the need for a permanent place of worship. The local Turkish Mosque Association began its activities in the Sledderlo district in 1982, initially operating from more modest, temporary premises. As the congregation continued to expand, those early arrangements were no longer sufficient. The decision to build a permanent, purpose-built mosque was made in the 1990s, with construction starting in 1996. The building was designed by architect Guido Walgrave. Work continued for several years and the mosque was completed in 2002, opening in the form it retains today. What does the building look like? Yunus Emre Mosque is an imposing structure that blends elements of classical Ottoman architecture with modern construction techniques. At its heart lies a main prayer hall of roughly 1,185 square metres, crowned by a distinctive dome that stands out clearly against the surrounding residential skyline. Beside the main structure rises a slender minaret, a traditional feature of this type of religious architecture that historically served as the point from which the call to prayer was issued. The interior of the main hall was designed to accommodate large numbers of worshippers, particularly during Friday prayers and religious holidays, when families from across the district gather at the mosque. Who runs the mosque and what role does it play? The mosque falls under the structures of the Turkish Diyanet (the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey), the institution that oversees Turkish mosques both domestically and among the Turkish diaspora across Europe. This means Yunus Emre Mosque is not simply a place of worship, but also part of a wider network of Turkish religious communities in Belgium, organisationally connected to similar centres in other cities. Beyond its strictly religious function, the mosque also serves as a hub for community life: it hosts gatherings, religious education classes for children and young people, and events tied to the Islamic calendar. Why is it worth noting when visiting Genk? For visitors exploring Genk, a city best known for its post-industrial transformation, with former mining sites converted into parks and tourist attractions, Yunus Emre Mosque offers a glimpse of another side of the city: its multicultural character and the history of labour migration that shaped modern Genk. The mosque's dome and minaret stand in clear contrast to the surrounding residential buildings of Sledderlo, making it an easily recognisable landmark within the district. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Yunus Emre Mosque located? It is located in the Sledderlo district of Genk, in the Belgian province of Limburg. When was the current mosque building constructed? Construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2002. The community itself has been active in the district since 1982. Who designed the building? The mosque was designed by architect Guido Walgrave. How large is the main prayer hall? The main prayer hall covers an area of approximately 1,185 square metres. Where does the mosque's name come from? It is named after Yunus Emre, one of the best-known Turkish Sufi poets. Can visitors tour the mosque? As an active place of worship, the mosque primarily serves the local Muslim community; visitors are advised to arrange a visit with the community in advance, especially outside prayer times.

Sint-Amandskerk

Strombeek-Bever

Sint-Amandskerk is the parish church of Strombeek-Bever, a sub-municipality of Grimbergen in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. Built in two distinct phases during the second half of the 19th century, it stands as an example of neo-Gothic religious architecture in the region. When was the church built? Construction began in 1869 under architect Eugeen Gife, who built the sacristies, the priest's choir and the transept of this three-aisled neo-Gothic church. In 1882, architect Gustave Hansotte took over the project, directing the construction of the central nave, the side aisles and the tower. The work was not completed until 1895, meaning the church's construction spanned more than a quarter of a century and involved two generations of builders working from different plans. What materials define its appearance? The church was built as a three-aisled, non-oriented cruciform building, constructed from dark brick contrasted with light-colored stone. This combination of materials was typical of neo-Gothic church architecture in Belgium during this period and gives the building a striking two-tone appearance that remains visible from the outside today. What was discovered beneath the earlier church? During the demolition of the older Sint-Amandskerk that had previously stood on the site, workers found the foundations of a Roman villa along with fragments of roof tiles beneath the choir. This discovery shows that the site was inhabited and used as early as Roman times, long before the present church was built, making the location significant from an archaeological standpoint as well as a religious one. What can visitors see inside? The interior holds sculptures depicting Saint Amandus and the Virgin Mary with Child, alongside a Flemish painting dating from 1650. These works connect older regional sacred art traditions with the 19th-century architecture of the building that now houses them. Who was Hendrik van der Noot and how is he connected to the church? A gravestone belonging to Hendrik van der Noot (1731-1827) survives in the wall of the church's former churchyard. After his defeat in the Brabant Revolution, van der Noot lived in a small castle near the church. His presence at this site links the history of the local parish to the broader political events that shook the region at the end of the 18th century. What is planned for the church's future? The municipality of Grimbergen, which Strombeek-Bever belongs to, has developed plans to give the building a new purpose. The proposal envisions setting up a library inside the church while still maintaining a liturgical space for worship services. This approach aims to reconcile the church's continued religious function with a new, publicly accessible role for the community. Frequently asked questions Where is Sint-Amandskerk located? In Strombeek-Bever, a sub-municipality of Grimbergen in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. Who designed the church? Construction started in 1869 under architect Eugeen Gife, and continued from 1882 under Gustave Hansotte, who completed the building in 1895. What architectural style does the church represent? Neo-Gothic, reflected in its three-aisled cruciform layout and the contrast between dark brick and light stone. What was found during the demolition of the earlier church? The foundations of a Roman villa and fragments of roof tiles beneath the former choir.

Sint-Catharinakerk

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Sint-Catharinakerk is the parish church standing at the market square of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a small town in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The building visitors see today is actually the third church to carry this name on the same spot — a story of destruction and rebuilding that spans more than a century. How old is the parish? Records of a Saint Catherine parish here go back to 1286, making it one of the older ecclesiastical communities in this part of Brabant. For centuries the local congregation gathered in a brick church built around 1640, a typical structure of its time that served as the religious and social heart of the village for nearly three hundred years. What happened to the original church? That 17th-century building met its end during the First World War. In 1914, fighting broke out around the fort of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, part of the outer defensive ring protecting Antwerp, and the church was destroyed in the process. For a small town, the loss was more than physical — the building had anchored parish life for generations. How was the church rebuilt? Reconstruction did not happen immediately. It was only in 1925–1926 that a new church rose on the site, this time on a far larger and more monumental scale. Designed by architect Jaak Alfons Van der Gucht, it was a brick, cross-shaped church built in an art deco-influenced style, topped by a heavy, dominant tower that reshaped the town's skyline. For decades this building served as the new landmark of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, even though its scale and weighty form divided opinion among residents from the start. Why did the church disappear a second time? By the 1970s, serious structural defects had appeared in the interwar building. A long debate followed between those who favored full restoration and those who argued for demolition and a fresh start. The disagreement dragged on for years while the building's condition kept deteriorating, until the decision was finally made to tear it down. What stands there today? The site of the demolished 1920s church was taken over in 1993 by a structure of a very different character — considerably more modest in scale, without the monumental tower or heavy massing of its predecessor. This third Sint-Catharinakerk, built to match the practical and liturgical needs of a small modern parish, continues to serve as the spiritual center of Sint-Katelijne-Waver today. Frequently asked questions Is the current building historic? Not in terms of architectural heritage — the present church dates from 1993 and replaced the monumental interwar church from the 1920s. Why did the first church disappear? It was destroyed in 1914 during fighting around the fort defending Antwerp in the First World War. Who designed the interwar church? The church rebuilt in 1925–1926 in an art deco-influenced style was designed by architect Jaak Alfons Van der Gucht. How old is the Sint-Catharina parish? Records mentioning it date back to 1286, making it one of the oldest parishes in the region.

Sint-Kwintenskerk

Leuven

Sint-Kwintenskerk is a Roman Catholic church located on Naamsestraat in Leuven, Belgium. It stands out among the historic buildings of this university city for the contrast between its predominantly Gothic exterior and a Baroque entrance portal — a mix visible right away to anyone walking along Naamsestraat toward the city centre. What does the church look like from the outside? The exterior of Sint-Kwintenskerk is mainly Gothic. In Leuven and across Flanders, that style is associated with tall, vertical architectural forms, and the outer shell of this church follows that same tradition. The clear exception is the entrance portal, executed in the Baroque style. The combination of these two architectural languages, built in different eras, means the building carries visible traces of more than one historical period, noticeable from the street level already. What is inside the church? Unlike the Gothic exterior, the interior of the church is fully Baroque. Its furnishings include Baroque choir stalls and altars. Choir stalls are carved seats traditionally reserved for clergy and placed in the choir area of a church — their presence indicates that Sint-Kwintenskerk served a liturgical function requiring appropriate seating for officiating clergy. The altars, executed in the same Baroque style, complete the interior, forming a coherent whole that differs sharply from the austere Gothic shell surrounding it. Where does the church's name come from? The church is named after Saint Quentin, a figure regarded in the Catholic faith as a protector against a wide range of contagious diseases. Dedicating a church to this kind of patron saint is not an isolated choice in the context of medieval and early modern urban history, when epidemics were a recurring threat and the faithful turned to patron saints for spiritual protection against disease. The dedication to Saint Quentin gives the church an identity that goes beyond its architecture, linking the building to a long tradition of votive devotion directed at saints associated with health and protection. Where exactly is Sint-Kwintenskerk located? The church stands on Naamsestraat, one of the main streets of Leuven, a city known above all as the seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its geographic coordinates are 50.870278, 4.698611. Its position on this particular street places it naturally along the route of visitors exploring the historic centre of Leuven. Frequently asked questions Is Sint-Kwintenskerk a Catholic church? Yes, it is a Roman Catholic church. What architectural style is the church built in? The exterior is mainly Gothic, with a Baroque entrance portal. The interior, including the choir stalls and altars, is Baroque. Who is the church dedicated to? Saint Quentin, regarded in the Catholic tradition as a protector against a wide range of contagious diseases. On which street is the church located? On Naamsestraat in Leuven, Belgium. Is the interior worth seeing? The contrast between the Gothic exterior and the Baroque interior — with its choir stalls and altars — makes Sint-Kwintenskerk an interesting stop for anyone interested in the history of religious architecture.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk is a church in the Termien district of Genk, in the Belgian province of Limburg, dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. It stands at Rozenkranslaan 47, in an area that was once a separate hamlet before being absorbed into the growing town of Genk. How did the church come to be built in Termien? The story of the church is closely tied to the arrival of the Dominican order in Genk. The friars settled in the area in 1934, initially occupying a large house on Calvariestraat. Construction of the church and an adjoining cloister, named Sint-Albertusklooster, began in 1939. The design was the work of architect M. De Paepe. Why did construction take so long? The building work coincided with one of the most difficult periods of the twentieth century. The outbreak of the Second World War, and the resulting shortages of building materials, slowed progress considerably. Despite these obstacles, the project was carried through to completion, and the church was consecrated in 1943, while the war was still ongoing. What is the layout of the church? The building follows a deliberate architectural plan. A square tower rises on the western side, forming the most recognisable feature of the structure. Behind it extends a three-aisled basilical nave divided into six bays, leading to a choir of three bays with a flat termination. This combination of traditional basilical form and restrained, simplified detailing reflects the wartime constraints under which the church was built. What can visitors see inside? The interior holds a number of notable works of religious art. Wooden sculptures by Raf Mailleux contribute to the liturgical furnishings of the church, while paintings by Willy Minders add further artistic depth: among them is a depiction of the Stations of the Cross, along with images of Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas — two figures closely tied to the Dominican tradition that gave rise to this place of worship. Why does the church matter to Termien? Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Rozenkranskerk remains an important landmark for the residents of Termien, a former hamlet gradually absorbed by the expanding town of Genk. Its history mirrors that of many similar churches built across Europe in the first half of the twentieth century: begun in peacetime, finished under the shadow of war, yet still enriched with artworks created by local artists. Frequently asked questions When was the church built? Construction began in 1939 and the church was consecrated in 1943. Who designed the building? The architect responsible for the design was M. De Paepe. Which religious order is connected to this church? The church was built in connection with the arrival of the Dominican order in Genk, whose friars settled there in 1934 and founded the Sint-Albertusklooster cloister. What artworks can be found inside the church? The interior features wooden sculptures by Raf Mailleux and paintings by Willy Minders, including a depiction of the Stations of the Cross.

Sint-Remigiuskerk

Haacht

Sint-Remigiuskerk is the historic parish church of Haacht, a small town in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium, dedicated to Saint Remigius of Reims. Standing at the heart of the town, it has served as the community's main place of worship for centuries, layering several distinct building phases into a single structure. How old is the church? The oldest surviving part of the building is the choir, which still contains walls from the original 1281 church. This is where the site's long architectural history is most visible: the Gothic choir is made up of two clearly different sections. The western part, with simple lancet windows, dates from the late 13th century or around the year 1300. The eastern part was built much later, during the late Gothic period, and shows clear influence from the Brabantine school of the late 16th century. This stylistic contrast makes the choir itself a small lesson in the region's religious architecture. What happened to the church during the First World War? The church did not make it through the 20th century unscathed. During the First World War it suffered serious damage, which forced a substantial rebuilding effort in the years that followed. The tower visible today dates from 1924 and is a direct result of that post-war reconstruction. Alongside the tower, the nave was also rebuilt at the time, using white sandstone — a material that gives this part of the building a noticeably lighter tone compared to the older masonry. The neo-Gothic furnishings inside the church also date from this same reconstruction period, echoing the building's medieval origins even though they were only added in the 1920s. What chapels and rooms are worth seeing inside? Inside the church is a side chapel from 1634 dedicated to the veneration of Saint Quirinus, a saint locally associated, among other things, with protection of livestock — a matter of real significance for the historically agricultural community around Haacht. This chapel is one of the few interior elements to have survived the upheavals of war largely unchanged since the 17th century. Another notable space is the sacristy, built in 1771 in a classicist style; its restrained, symmetrical lines stand in contrast to the Gothic choir and the more ornate character of the Saint Quirinus chapel, together illustrating a building that evolved gradually over the centuries. Why is Sint-Remigiuskerk worth a visit? The church in Haacht is more than a place of worship — it is a landmark that traces the town's history, from its medieval beginnings through Baroque and classicist additions to its post-war reconstruction. For anyone interested in the sacred architecture of Flemish Brabant, it offers a chance to see several centuries of layered styles in a single building. Haacht lies close to Leuven, making Sint-Remigiuskerk an easy stop for a short detour while exploring the wider region. Frequently asked questions Who is the church in Haacht dedicated to? The church is dedicated to Saint Remigius of Reims, a bishop best known for baptizing Clovis, king of the Franks. Which part of the building is the oldest? The oldest surviving element is the choir walls dating back to 1281, though the choir's current form results from two separate phases of Gothic construction. Where does the current church tower come from? The tower dates from 1924 and was built as part of the reconstruction following damage suffered during the First World War. Are there elements older than the 20th-century rebuild? Yes — besides the medieval choir, the church retains the 1634 Saint Quirinus chapel and a classicist sacristy from 1771.

Sint-Philomenakerk

Sint-Philomenakerk is the parish church of Kotem, a small village that forms part of the municipality of Maasmechelen in the Belgian province of Limburg. The church stands on Grotestraat and has anchored this small community for well over a century. Where did the parish of Kotem come from? For a long time Kotem was simply part of neighbouring Boorsem and had no parish of its own. That changed in 1889, when the village became an independent parish, opening the way for a proper church of its own. Before that, residents relied on a small chapel dedicated to Saint Philomena, built back in 1834 — it is this chapel's patron saint who later gave her name to the parish church. How did the current church come to be built? Once the chapel could no longer serve the growing community, construction of a new church to replace it began in 1891. The design came from architect Mathieu Christiaens. What rose on Grotestraat was a neo-Romanesque brick building laid out as a cross-shaped basilica, with a clearly defined transept cutting across the main nave. This layout was a common choice for newly built parish churches in the region at the time, pairing a traditional form with sturdy, lasting construction. What stands out about the building itself? The most distinctive feature of Sint-Philomenakerk is its square tower, divided into three stages and capped with a tall, steeply pitched roof. That silhouette gives the church a recognisable profile that rises above the surrounding rooftops, typical of the neo-Romanesque village churches built across Limburg around the turn of the 20th century. What can be found inside? Most of the church's furnishings date from the time of its construction, meaning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, the altars, pews and other fittings form a coherent, historically unified interior that took shape alongside the building itself, without later large-scale alterations that would have broken up its original character. Frequently asked questions Is Sint-Philomenakerk an old church? The building itself dates from 1891, but the site's religious history goes back further, to the 1834 chapel that the church eventually replaced. Why is the church named after Saint Philomena? The dedication carried over from the earlier chapel built in Kotem in her honour, before the village had its own independent parish. Who designed the church? The building was designed by architect Mathieu Christiaens, whose plans date from 1891. In what architectural style was the church built? It is a neo-Romanesque brick building, laid out as a cross-shaped basilica with a distinct transept. Where exactly is the church located? The church stands on Grotestraat in Kotem, a village within the municipality of Maasmechelen in Limburg province, close to the border with the Netherlands. Is the tower worth seeing? Yes — the three-stage square tower topped with a steep roof is the building's most recognisable feature and a useful landmark in this small village.

Sint-Michielskerk (Keerbergen)

Keerbergen

Sint-Michielskerk is the modern parish church of Keerbergen, a municipality in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the village's patron saint. Standing in the heart of the village, it serves as the main Catholic place of worship for the local community. How far back does the parish here go? The Christian presence in Keerbergen dates back to the 11th century. As early as 1036, when the lord of Incourt granted "Chierberghe" to the Bishop of Liège, a small chapel already stood in the area — most likely a modest timber-and-clay structure typical of early medieval religious buildings in the region. This original church stood on a hill known as Kerkberg ("church hill"), but the surrounding land was marshy, which over time pushed the population to settle further inland, on the higher ground that forms today's village centre. Why did the church move and change patron? In the new settlement centre stood a chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara and Saint Anthony. When the church on the Kerkberg burned down in 1607, the old settlement was abandoned for good, and this chapel took over as the full parish church. It was eventually rededicated to Saint Michael, the patron saint of Keerbergen — the name the present-day church still carries. How did the older church develop over time? A growing population required repeated expansion of the building. The first major enlargement took place in 1626, followed by further alterations in 1735, 1753 and 1761. A tower was added in 1764. By the late 18th century, a church in classicist style had been built on the site, replacing the earlier structures — a three-aisled building with an integrated west tower and a three-sided choir enclosure. This classicist church, now known as the Oude Sint-Michielskerk (Old Church of Saint Michael), stood until 1972, when it was demolished. Only the historic tower was spared and still stands today as a separate landmark in Keerbergen. Where does the current, modernist building come from? The church that replaced the demolished classicist building was constructed between 1968 and 1970. It was designed by architects François De Smet and Willi Lateir in the style of post-war modernism, with simple volumes and minimal ornamentation, a sharp departure from the historicist churches of earlier centuries. Its construction reflected a wider trend in Belgium during the second half of the 20th century, when many aging or structurally compromised churches were replaced with modern buildings. Did the building need repairs later on? Yes. As early as 1992 — just over two decades after completion — the church underwent a thorough renovation. The work addressed structural shortcomings that had emerged during use, a situation not uncommon for post-war modernist churches, which often experimented with new building techniques and materials that did not always stand the test of time. Frequently asked questions Is the old tower next to the new church worth seeing? Yes — the tower of the former classicist church, added in 1764, is the only part of the original building to survive its 1972 demolition, and it now stands as a separate landmark in the centre of Keerbergen, independent of the current church building. Who is the church dedicated to? Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of Keerbergen. The dedication moved to this site after the old Saint Barbara and Saint Anthony chapel took over as the parish church following the 1607 fire that destroyed the original church on the Kerkberg. How old is the current building? The church itself dates from 1968–1970, making it a comparatively young piece of architecture set against the parish's history, which stretches back to the 11th century.

Sint-Jozefkerk

Lanaken

Sint-Jozefkerk is the parish church of Smeermaas, a district of Lanaken in the Belgian province of Limburg, standing at Bauduinplein. The current building dates from 1956-1957, though the parish itself has a much longer history. How did the parish in Smeermaas begin? Before a church dedicated to Saint Joseph existed, Smeermaas had a small chapel known as the Sint-Annakapel. The first church honoring Saint Joseph was built around 1875. It initially belonged to the parish of Lanaken, but by 1892 Smeermaas had gained independent parish status with its own church building. What happened to the original 19th-century church? That original structure did not survive intact. It suffered heavy damage during the Second World War, and the post-war repairs were only provisional rather than a full restoration. Over time it became clear the parish needed an entirely new building, one better suited to the evolving center of the town. When was the current building constructed? Land for the new site in Smeermaas's town center was already purchased in 1952, though construction itself began a few years later. The design came from architects Erens and G. Daniëls, with building work carried out between 1956 and 1957. The result was a modernist structure, a clear departure from the historicist churches typical of the region up to that point. What does the architecture look like? Sint-Jozefkerk is built as a brick hall church under a gable roof, with a distinctive concrete front and portico. A largely freestanding square tower stands alongside the main building, its upper level left open and covered by a lean-to roof. This simple, geometric massing is characteristic of post-war ecclesiastical architecture in Belgium, where functional form and economical use of modern building materials went hand in hand. What can be found inside? The interior features work from several artists involved in the church's construction. The altar, carved from green marble, was designed by Piet Killiaerts. Edmond Florens created the Stations of the Cross paintings as well as a stained-glass window. The church also contains a painted crucifix on the façade, a sculpture of the Risen Christ, and a statue of Mary - elements typical of Catholic liturgical decoration from that period. Where exactly is the church located? The church stands at Bauduinplein in Smeermaas, within the municipality of Lanaken, close to the Belgian-Dutch border and near the Meuse river. It continues to serve as the parish church for the local Catholic community. Frequently asked questions Is Sint-Jozefkerk a protected historic monument? The current building dates only from the 1950s, so it isn't historic in the traditional sense, though it represents a notable example of modernist ecclesiastical architecture from that era. Is this the only church in Smeermaas? Yes, Sint-Jozefkerk serves as the main parish church for this district of Lanaken. Who designed the present building? Architects Erens and G. Daniëls designed it, with construction carried out in 1956-1957. What happened to the original church from 1875? It was heavily damaged during the Second World War and only provisionally repaired afterward, which eventually led to the decision to build an entirely new church on a different site.

Sint-Lambertuskerk

Sint-Lambertuskerk is the parish church of Neerharen, a village within the municipality of Lanaken in the Belgian province of Limburg. The building stands on Kasteelstraat and is dedicated to Saint Lambert of Maastricht, a patron widely venerated in churches across this region. How old is this parish? The parish of Neerharen is presumed to be very old. The right of patronage over it once belonged to the lords of Neerharen, and at the end of the 12th century the tithe right was donated to the Abbey of Hocht by a certain Willem van Pietersheim. This points to a settlement and church community that existed long before the current building was raised. What stood here before? Before today's church was built, a considerably older structure occupied the same site. Its core presumably dated back to the 11th century and was built from fieldstone and pebbles. The west tower of that former church was likely constructed from marl limestone in the Gothic style. The building went through several changes over the centuries: in 1760 the nave was raised and a new choir was built, and in 1837 the choir was extended and the portal was moved from the south side to the front façade. Why was a new church built? The old church did not survive to the present day — it was demolished in 1875. It gave way to the current building, designed by architect Herman Jaminé and constructed in 1875–1876. The new church took the form of a Neo-Romanesque basilica made of brick, finished with yellow natural stone, which gives the façade its distinctive warm tone. What is there to see inside? The interior holds one of the municipality's most significant art treasures: a legally protected Antwerp retable from around 1525, depicting the Passion of Christ and the Tree of Jesse. This carved altarpiece combines Passion scenes with the genealogical motif of Christ's lineage, a theme popular in Low Countries art at the turn of the medieval and Renaissance periods. The church also contains a mid-16th-century Passion retable showing an Ecce Homo, an Entombment, Saint Lambert and Saint Petronella, along with a portrait of the work's donor. What surrounds the church? The church is surrounded by an atmospheric cemetery, enclosed by a historic wall with decorative wrought-iron fencing. This combination of church, cemetery, and wall forms a coherent historic ensemble, typical of rural parishes in the Limburg region, and is protected as part of the local built heritage inventory. Frequently asked questions Who is the church dedicated to? Saint Lambert of Maastricht, a bishop and martyr especially venerated in the Meuse and Limburg region. Who designed the current building? Architect Herman Jaminé, who created the Neo-Romanesque basilica built in 1875–1876. What is the church's greatest art treasure? The Antwerp retable from around 1525, depicting the Passion of Christ and the Tree of Jesse, which is legally protected as a heritage object. Does the previous church still exist? No — the older structure, with a core dating back to the 11th century, was demolished in 1875 to make way for the current church.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-en-Sint-Leodegariuskerk

Bornem

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-en-Sint-Leodegariuskerk is the historic parish church at the heart of Bornem, a small town in the Antwerp province of Flanders, Belgium. The building carries traces of nearly a thousand years of history — from an early medieval place of worship, through a Romanesque abbey church, to a 19th-century rebuild that gave it its present appearance. Today it is legally protected both as a monument and as part of Bornem's protected village landscape. How old is this parish? Records mention the parish of Bornem as early as the 9th century, when a modest place of worship likely stood on the site before being demolished in the 11th century. The first written reference to a church at the current location dates back to 1101. At that time the church was linked to an abbey of Augustinian regular canons, making it not just a parish site but part of a larger monastic complex. What happened during the medieval period? In the 12th century the church was rebuilt in Romanesque style as a pillar basilica shaped like a Latin cross — a layout typical of larger churches of that era. In 1120 the local abbey merged with the Abbey of Affligem and was converted into a priory, tying Bornem into the network of an influential Benedictine community. The building's history was far from peaceful, though: in 1164 it partially burned down. A trace of an older liturgical division survives in a decision from 1253, when a wall was erected at the level of the communion rail to separate parts of the interior — a partition that was only removed in 1603. Why does the church look different from its medieval original? The Romanesque building, having survived centuries of rebuilding and fire, was almost completely demolished in 1828. This event explains why relatively little of the original church remains — the current structure largely dates from later construction phases. Surviving from the Romanesque period are the tower's foundation, the outer walls of the choir, the eastern outer walls of today's side aisles, and the Romanesque crypt, which remains the oldest and most valuable part of the whole complex. What is protected today? The crypt and the oldest parts of the church were officially granted heritage protection as early as 1935, well before the rest of the building. That status was extended in 1998, when the entire church was recognized as a protected monument and simultaneously listed as part of Bornem's protected village landscape. This means protection covers not only the building itself but also its relationship with the surrounding townscape. Where exactly is the church located? Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-en-Sint-Leodegariuskerk stands right in the center of Bornem, at approximately 51.0999°N, 4.2353°E. Its location at the heart of town has made the church a natural landmark and a social focal point for the local community for centuries. Frequently asked questions Can the crypt be visited? The crypt is one of the oldest and best-preserved parts of the church — it was the first element to receive heritage protection, back in 1935, underscoring its exceptional historical value. Where does the church's double name come from? The dedication combines the Blessed Virgin Mary (Onze-Lieve-Vrouw) and Saint Leodegarius (Sint-Leodegarius), the patrons of the original church associated with the Augustinian abbey. Did anything medieval survive the 1828 rebuild? Yes — despite the demolition of most of the Romanesque structure, the tower's foundation, the outer choir walls, the eastern side-aisle walls, and the crypt remain, allowing visitors to still trace the church's earliest building phase. Is the church a protected monument? Yes, since 1998 the entire church has been legally protected as a monument and as part of Bornem's village landscape, while its oldest sections — the crypt and Romanesque remains — have been protected since 1935.

église Saints-Hermès-et-Alexandre de Theux

Theux

The Église Saints-Hermès-et-Alexandre is a Romanesque church in Theux, in the province of Liège, Belgium, regarded as one of the most remarkable religious buildings in the Ardennes region. The structure stands on a site that has hosted four successive places of worship since the early Middle Ages, starting with a small rectangular construction from the 6th or 7th century, followed by a Merovingian chapel, and later a Carolingian church built in the second half of the 9th century. The present church, raised in the 11th century, is the final and most imposing stage of this long architectural sequence. What makes this church so unusual? What sets the church of Theux apart from other buildings in the region is its architectural type: it is a hall church (église-halle), meaning its three naves share the same height and a single flat ceiling, rather than the stepped naves typical of basilica-style churches. According to available sources, it is the only surviving example of an 11th-century Romanesque hall church in the area between the Loire and the Rhine, making it a building of considerable importance for the history of Western European religious architecture. It has been listed as part of Wallonia's built heritage register since 1942. Where does the church's dedication come from? The church is dedicated to Saint Hermes, whose feast day falls on 28 August — a date that also became the parish feast of Theux. The dedication traces back to the Carolingian church built in the second half of the 9th century, which was consecrated to this saint. Later rebuildings preserved the dedication, which over time was extended to include a second patron, Saint Alexander. What can be seen inside the church? One of the most distinctive features of the interior is the flat ceiling of the main nave, made up of 127 painted wooden coffers installed in 1630. This ceiling — an unusual choice in Romanesque architecture, where vaulted ceilings are the norm — is precisely what gives the interior its characteristic hall-church appearance, setting it apart from the single-nave or basilica-style churches typical of the period. How did the building evolve over the centuries? The architectural history of the site reaches back much further than the current Romanesque church. Archaeologists have uncovered, beneath the present-day choir, traces of the oldest structure: a small rectangular building dated to the 6th or 7th century, possibly even earlier. It was later extended westward, forming a Merovingian chapel. The next stage was a more substantial Carolingian church built in the 9th century, preceded by a tower on its western side. It was only on these foundations that the current Romanesque church was erected in the 11th century. In the 12th century, a massive fortified tower was added on the northern side, a sign that the site held not only religious but also strategic importance in medieval Theux. Frequently asked questions Where is the Église Saints-Hermès-et-Alexandre located? The church stands in Theux, in the province of Liège, in eastern Belgium, within the Ardennes region. How many places of worship stood on this site before the current church? Before today's Romanesque church, the same site held three earlier buildings in succession: a primitive early medieval structure, a Merovingian chapel, and a 9th-century Carolingian church. What is architecturally unique about this church? It is the only surviving example, between the Loire and the Rhine, of a Romanesque hall church — with three naves of equal height sharing a single flat ceiling instead of the typical vaulting. Since when has the building been protected as a heritage site? The church has been listed on Wallonia's built heritage register since 1942. Where does the church's dedication come from? The dedication refers to Saint Hermes, patron of the earlier 9th-century Carolingian church, whose feast day on 28 August became the local parish feast.

Heilige Naam Jezuskerk

Heilige Naam Jezuskerk is the parish church of Grootlo, a district of the municipality of Heist-op-den-Berg in Belgium's Antwerp province, standing at Kapelstraat 69. The building grew out of a small local community that only gained its own independent parish organization in the early twentieth century, and it remains the main religious and architectural landmark for residents of this part of the municipality. How did the parish of Grootlo come about? Grootlo became an independent parish in 1906. Before the community had a proper brick church of its own, believers gathered for decades in the so-called Old Chapel, a modest, makeshift place of worship that had to serve the young congregation while a permanent building was planned. Construction of the brick church finally began in 1936, and the following year, in 1937, the building was consecrated and opened for use by the faithful. Who designed the church, and in what style? The church was designed by architect Gustaaf Careels, who gave the building a three-aisled layout oriented toward the northeast. It was built in brick, and its silhouette is completed by an attached tower with a flat front and a tent-shaped roof. The architectural details — the arches, the divisions of the facade, and the ornamentation — show clear Neo-Romanesque influences, a style that was widely used for new parish churches in Flanders at the time. Careels opted for a solid, functional design suited to the needs of a growing congregation, while still drawing on historic patterns of religious architecture. What is worth seeing inside? Among the most valuable features of the church's interior are its stained-glass windows, which date from 1964. Their relatively late creation — nearly three decades after the building's consecration — shows that the parish community continued investing in the church's decoration over the years, gradually enriching what was originally a plainer interior with works of religious art. These windows are one of the reasons the church is sometimes opened to visitors during local events such as open-church days organized by the municipality of Heist-op-den-Berg. Why is Heilige Naam Jezuskerk worth a visit? The church in Grootlo is a good example of typical Flemish religious architecture from the first half of the twentieth century, built out of the needs of a local community and with modest but carefully considered means. For anyone exploring the area around Heist-op-den-Berg, it offers a chance to see a building that combines a simple overall form with Neo-Romanesque detailing, plus stained-glass windows that still give the interior character decades after they were installed. Frequently asked questions When was the parish of Grootlo established? The parish was established in 1906, although the community only received its own brick church three decades later. Who designed the church? The building was designed by architect Gustaaf Careels, who gave it a three-aisled, Neo-Romanesque form. When was the church consecrated? Construction was completed in 1936, and the church was consecrated in 1937. What can be found inside the church? Among its most notable features are stained-glass windows dating from 1964.

Church of Our Lady across the river Dijle

Mechelen

The Church of Our Lady across the River Dijle (Dutch: Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk) stands on the left bank of the Dijle river in Mechelen, in the Antwerp province of Belgium. Its name describes its position precisely — the church rises directly above the riverbank, on the spot local tradition holds as the site of the city's very first parish church. How old is this parish? The earliest recorded mention of the parish of Our Lady across the Dijle dates from 1236. Nothing survives of the building from that period — it was most likely destroyed during the great city fire of 1342. The church visible today was constructed in stages across three centuries: the 14th, 15th and 16th, which explains the stylistic differences visible between its various sections. What architectural style defines the church? The building is an example of Brabantine Gothic, the style typical of the historic Southern Netherlands. Its layout includes a three-aisled nave of seven bays, closed off by a five-sided choir with an ambulatory, and transept chapels attached to the sides. This kind of plan — with a walkway circling the main altar — allowed pilgrims and worshippers to move around the sanctuary without disrupting services taking place at the high altar. What can visitors see inside? The church tower houses a complete carillon of no fewer than 49 bells, an instrument large enough to perform full musical repertoires rather than simple hourly chimes. Mechelen has a particularly strong carillon tradition, and this set of bells forms part of that broader civic heritage. Among the artworks inside, two triptychs stand out. The first, known as the triptych of the fishmongers, was painted by Peter Paul Rubens, one of the most significant Baroque painters of Northern Europe. The second, the Saint Anthony triptych, was created by Michiel II Coxie, a 16th-century painter known for his work for courts and churches throughout the region. What turbulent events has the church survived? The building's history reflects the religious upheavals that swept the Low Countries during the 16th century. During the Mechelen iconoclasm of 23 August 1566 — a wave of destruction of religious images carried out by Reformed protesters — the church across the Dijle was spared. Local boatmen and river workers blocked the protesters from reaching the building, keeping them outside its walls. The church did not escape later misfortune, however. In 1572 it was plundered during the so-called Spanish Fury, a wave of violence inflicted by Spanish soldiers on cities of the Low Countries during the Eighty Years' War. Eight years later, in 1580, the church was stripped of its religious imagery by Protestant reformers, a typical act within the broader Reformation-era rejection of sacred images and statues. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the church located? On the left bank of the Dijle in Mechelen, on a site traditionally identified as the location of the city's first parish church. From which period does the building date? The current structure was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, in the Brabantine Gothic style. What is the main highlight inside? A triptych painted by Rubens and the Saint Anthony triptych by Michiel II Coxie, along with the 49-bell carillon in the tower. Did the church suffer during the religious wars? Yes — it survived the 1566 iconoclasm thanks to local boatmen defending it, but it was plundered during the Spanish Fury of 1572 and stripped of religious images in 1580.